``It's a very happy night for us,'' Mushinsky said, talking about the victories Wallingford Democrats were celebrating in the background. ``We're deliriously happy.''

As to her own victory, Mushinsky said she was pleased ``that my service record in particular was recognized. I've always tried to find out what peoples' top priorities are and to work on those issues.''

Mushinsky, 43, who has held the Wallingford seat since 1981, focused on job creation, bringing new businesses to the state, affordable health care and intervention programs for urban youths to try to reduce crime.

Patricia Carruthers, a longtime supporter of Mushinsky's, said earlier in the evening she was confident about her candidate.

Earlier in the day, Carruthers had been handing out Mushinsky's campaign literature outside the E.C. Stevens Elementary School and the response she got was favorable, she said. Two years ago, when Mushinsky supported the creation of an income tax, some people had expressed displeasure with her, Carruthers said.

``She voted the way she felt was right, and that's the bottom line,'' Carruthers said, adding that townspeople respect her for that integrity.

Chayer, 64, had sought her first public office this election, deciding to run just months after retiring from her post in the state Office of Policy and Management.

``I gave it the best I could,'' Chayer said. ``I had no organization. I was just a lone soul out there. I feel very sorry that I didn't win, but I tried my best.''

``To my way of thinking, it's pretty hard to beat two parties,'' Chayer said, referring to Mushinsky's cross-endorsement by A Connecticut Party.

``Barbara's been a tremendous candidate,'' said Wallingford Republican Town Chairman Andy Bravo. He said she worked tirelessly and responsibly in her campaign, without mudslinging.